Papilio memnon
The Great Mormon (Papilio memnon) is a large butterfly native to southern Asia that belongs to the swallowtail family. It is widely distributed and has thirteen subspecies. The female is polymorphic and with mimetic forms.
Range
North-eastern India (including Sikkim, Assam and Nagaland), Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan(?), Myanmar, Nicobar Islands, Andaman Islands (stragglers only), western, southern and eastern China (including Hainan), Taiwan and southern Japan, Ryukyu Islands, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Nias, Batu, Simeulue, Bangka, Java, Kalimantan, and the Lesser Sunda Islands).
Status
Common and not threatened. The cultivation of Citrus plants all over Southern Asia has ensured this.
Description & polymorphy
The butterfly is large with 120 to 150 millimetres (4.7 to 5.9 in) span. It has four male and many female forms, the females being highly polymorphic and many of them being mimics of unpalatable butterflies. This species has been studied extensively for understanding the genetic basis for polymorphy and Batesian mimicry. As many as twenty-six female forms are reported.
Podcasts:
